LEGISLATIVE/briefly - February 28, 2001

AUSTIN  Legislation to limit the growth of Texas government to stay within the growth of the state's economy was filed by state Rep. Carl Isett, R-Lubbock, Tuesday.

House Bill 2095 would close the loopholes sometimes used to increase the budget beyond the growth of the state's economy, he said. The bill would require a two-thirds majority before spending could be approved when spending grows beyond the state's limit of growth.

Since the passing of the Texas Tax Relief Act of 1978, which was intended to slow the growth rate of the state government to that of the economy, the state spending has increased 500 percent while the economy has increased 400 percent.

Proposal boosts rural scholarships

AUSTIN  Telephone exchange companies, which mostly serve small towns, could donate up to $1 million to scholarship funds for rural students under a bill filed by state Rep. David Counts, D-Knox City.